Super Eagles midfielder, Joe Aribo, is ecstatic after scoring his first pre-season goal for Southampton in their 2-1 loss to La Liga side Villarreal at Saint Mary’s on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Aribo joined Southampton in a £10m plus add-ons move last month and has gone on to impress his teammates and coaches.
The Nigeria international received the ball midway inside his own half and waltzed through many of the Yellow Submarines players before turning Pau Torres – a regular Spain international – inside out and finishing majestically into Pepe Reina’s top corner from 10 yards.
It was a moment to savor for all inside St Mary’s, marking the arrival of a potential new hero for the home fans.
In an interview with BBC Radio, the 26-year-old midfielder expressed his delight in the desire to succeed at his new club.
He said, “I said to the boys inside the (dressing room) that I freaked out of the right foot shot but I’m really happy and hopefully I keep pushing on and do more for the team in the games to come.
“It’s a dream to play here, it still hasn’t sunk in. I’ve always just had to get on with it. Literally, that’s what I’ve just done when I moved on from Rangers, and now I’m pushing on here. I can’t wait for that opportunity, and when I get it, I’ll grab it.
“I’ve always been a fighter; I’ve not had it all sweet because I’ve not been in an academy. I’ve had to work and I’m confident I guess. You’re at your best when you’re not comfortable. I believe in myself, I wouldn’t have taken this challenge if I didn’t believe that I could showcase my talent, and that’s what I want to do. I want to go out there and showcase my talent.”
Southampton will begin their 2022/23 Premier League season away to Tottenham on Saturday.
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